Category Archives: NEW CARS

NEW CARS

2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee

The Jeep Grand Cherokee has never been one to rest on its laurels. Three decades after setting the benchmark for American SUVs, the 2026 model storms in with something entirely new under the hood — a Hurricane.

Yes, that’s the name of Jeep’s all-new 2.0-liter Hurricane 4 Turbo, a four-cylinder engine with enough tech and torque to make you rethink everything you thought you knew about small displacement. It’s the headline act of the 2026 Grand Cherokee lineup, a year that also brings updated design touches, a new 12.3-inch infotainment system, and a simplified trim structure designed to make choosing your adventure-ready family hauler a little easier.

A Turbocharged Storm in a Grand Shell

On paper, the Hurricane 4 Turbo looks like the kind of overachiever that belongs under a sports sedan’s hood, not a 4,800-pound SUV. The 2.0-liter inline-four churns out 324 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque, translating to an impressive 162 horsepower per liter—a segment record. That’s enough to tow 6,200 pounds and travel an estimated 529 miles on a single tank, all on regular gas.

The secret sauce is Stellantis’ first high-volume application of Turbulent Jet Ignition (TJI) technology, a race-inspired combustion trick that ignites fuel in a pre-chamber above each cylinder for a faster, cleaner, and more complete burn. The result? More power, fewer emissions, and a broader torque curve — 90 percent of peak torque is available between 2,600 and 5,600 rpm.

Add in a variable-geometry turbocharger, and the Hurricane 4 promises both snappy low-end response and effortless highway passing power. “We’ve created a force to exceed the high expectations that Grand Cherokee owners have for power and refinement,” said Micky Bly, Stellantis’ head of propulsion engineering.

New Face, Smarter Cabin

Beyond the engine, the Grand Cherokee gets a subtle refresh to keep things looking and feeling contemporary. The iconic seven-slot grille gets a sharper edge, flanked by new headlight designs and updated lower fascia treatments. Out back, the rear bumper and trim have been re-sculpted, while new finishes and three fresh paint shades — Steel Blue, Copper Shino, and Fathom Blue — bring a touch of sophistication to Jeep’s adventure-ready posture.

Inside, the cabin steps up its tech game. The new 12.3-inch infotainment system dominates the dashboard, joined by an available 10.25-inch passenger display and the always-welcome McIntosh 19-speaker premium audio system. Materials and finishes have been elevated across the board, particularly in the upper trims, while features like Active Driving Assist, Night Vision, and a 360-degree camera move the Grand Cherokee closer to luxury SUV territory than ever before.

Simplified Trims, Smarter Choices

Jeep has restructured the lineup for 2026 around three primary trims: Laredo, Limited, and Summit. The idea is simplicity — fewer overlapping configurations, clearer value steps, and more standard equipment where it matters.

The entry-level Laredo Altitude now includes the 12.3-inch infotainment system, premium audio, and Jeep’s Selec-Terrain 4×4 system, a first for the base model. Standard safety tech is expanded, with Traffic Sign Recognition and Intersection Collision Assist now included.

Step up to the Limited, and you’ll find leatherette seating, Silver Silk exterior accents, and a nine-speaker Alpine audio setup. For those wanting a bit more flair, the Limited Reserve and Limited Altitude packages pile on 20-inch wheels, dual-pane sunroofs, ventilated Nappa leather seats, and a digital rearview mirror.

At the top sits the Summit, which leans heavily into premium territory with Palermo leather upholstery, massaging seats, a suede headliner, and the Quadra-Trac II 4×4 system paired with adaptive air suspension. Add in the McIntosh sound system, and you’ve got arguably the most luxurious Jeep this side of a Grand Wagoneer.

L, PHEV, and Trailhawk: Something for Everyone

Jeep hasn’t forgotten families or eco-minded adventurers. The three-row Grand Cherokee L returns with best-in-class second-row legroom and expanded third-row amenities, while the Grand Cherokee 4xe plug-in hybrid continues to offer a compelling mix of torque and efficiency. The Trailhawk 4xe, in particular, remains the lineup’s off-road king, boasting 470 lb-ft of torque, a best-in-class departure angle, and a 470-mile driving range.

Built in Detroit, Coming Soon

Production of the 2026 Grand Cherokee will continue at Stellantis’ Detroit Assembly Complex – Jefferson and Mack plants, solidifying its Motor City roots. It’s one of four new Jeep models launching in the second half of 2025, alongside the revamped Cherokee, Grand Wagoneer, and all-electric Recon.

Final Thoughts

The Grand Cherokee has always walked a fine line between ruggedness and refinement. With the introduction of the Hurricane 4 Turbo, Jeep isn’t just threading that needle — it’s redefining what efficiency and power can look like in a midsize SUV.

If the numbers hold true, this isn’t just another engine swap. It’s a statement: Jeep’s most awarded SUV just found a new way to earn that title — with brains, brawn, and a little boost.

Source: Jeep

NEW CARS

Bentley Teases Its First EV — and a New Limited-Production Model — in Upcoming Live Briefing

Bentley is about to lift the silk on its all-electric future. The British luxury automaker has announced a live-streamed presentation straight from its historic Crewe factory — soon to be the production home of Bentley’s first battery-electric vehicle (BEV).

Set for Wednesday, November 5 at 16:30 GMT, the event will feature Chairman and CEO Dr. Frank-Steffen Walliser alongside members of the Bentley board. The timing is deliberate: exactly five years since the brand’s original Beyond100 strategy announcement, which charted Bentley’s course toward full electrification and carbon neutrality by 2030.

This new briefing promises more than just PowerPoint slides and corporate platitudes. Expect fresh details on Bentley’s first fully electrified model, described as the world’s first true “Luxury Urban SUV.” That label alone hints at something smaller and more city-focused than the Bentayga, yet every bit as opulent and unmistakably Bentley.

Adding extra intrigue, the Crewe crew also plans to reveal a limited-production new model arriving later this year — though whether that’s a swan song for the W12 or a collector’s edition bridging the combustion and electric eras remains to be seen.

The live event will stream via the Bentley Newsroom, and registered viewers will get access to a live Q&A session following the presentation. If Bentley’s track record of lavish unveilings is any indication, expect the virtual stage to gleam with British polish, electric ambition, and maybe a few surprise nods to the brand’s storied past.

Mark your calendars. The age of silent, effortless Bentley luxury is about to begin — with plenty of voltage and, no doubt, plenty of leather.

Source: Bentley

NEW CARS

2026 Kia EV4 GT: The Electric Hot Hatch That Aims Straight at the Golf R

Kia’s not done turning heads in the EV world. Fresh off the success of the ballistic EV6 GT, the Korean automaker is doubling down on its performance ambitions with something smaller, sharper, and arguably even more intriguing — the upcoming EV4 GT.

The car won’t officially land until 2026, but Kia just pulled the wraps — or rather, the GT Wrap — off a working prototype at the Car of the Year “Tannistest” in northern Denmark. The camouflage may hide its final styling, but the intent is crystal clear: this is Kia’s take on the electric hot hatch, and it’s coming for the Volkswagen Golf R’s crown.

A Compact Shockwave

At first glance, the EV4 GT sits lower, wider, and more planted than the standard EV4. Kia calls it a hatchback, but its proportions read more like a performance coupe with extra doors — think Golf R meets Ioniq 5 N. Beneath the matte foil disguise are wider arches and a subtle bodykit that hints at muscle without screaming for attention.

New 20-inch alloys wrapped in 245/45 Michelin Pilot Sport 4S rubber fill the wells, backed by upgraded brakes with neon green calipers — a color that reappears throughout the car as Kia’s new GT signature. The prototype even carries a dash of menace, with that stealthy “GT Wrap” doing little to hide the taut stance of something built for real-world fun rather than Nürburgring lap times.

Power to Both Ends

Underneath, things get serious. The EV4 GT swaps the base car’s single-motor setup for a twin-motor, all-wheel-drive configuration, bringing combined output to roughly 400 horsepower. Early data from onboard loggers points to a 0–62 mph (0–100 km/h) time around five seconds flat, putting it right in the crosshairs of the Golf R and Audi S3.

Power is nothing without control, and here’s where Manfred Harrer, Kia’s head of vehicle development — and former Porsche chassis wizard — comes in. Harrer has promised a new level of steering feel and driver involvement for the brand, and sources suggest the EV4 GT’s steering system has undergone a significant overhaul. Expect precision and feedback where most EVs deliver numb isolation.

Everyday Speed, Not Track Masochism

Despite its credentials, the EV4 GT isn’t chasing lap records. Harrer’s philosophy is clear: Kia’s GT models should deliver everyday sportiness — excitement that works on real roads, not just racetracks. The EV4 GT’s chassis tuning reportedly strikes a balance between comfort and control, with revised suspension components and geometry that favor agility without punishing ride quality.

This makes sense. Few Golf R owners ever see a pit lane; what they want is confidence on a twisty backroad and composure on the commute. Kia seems to be hitting that same target.

Inside the Green Glow

The cabin is still technically prototype-spec, but it already feels special. Deeply bolstered sport seats wrapped in Alcantara-like materials hold you low and tight, creating the illusion of a lowered driving position even if the mounting points haven’t changed. The neon green accents from the exterior continue inside — from the seatbelts and stitching to the door cards, driver display graphics, and that unmistakable GT Mode button on the steering wheel.

Hit that button, and expect the EV4 GT to sharpen throttle response, firm up damping, and unlock the car’s most focused powertrain setting — the full-fat, road-ready version of Kia’s newfound performance identity.

The Verdict So Far

We’re still a year out from seeing the production-ready EV4 GT, but based on this early look, Kia isn’t just dipping its toes into the hot hatch pool — it’s cannonballing in. The company’s performance ambitions are no longer just about power numbers; they’re about character, feedback, and the kind of driving engagement that used to be reserved for Europe’s finest.

If the EV4 GT delivers on its promise, it could mark another pivotal moment for Kia — one where “fun to drive” becomes a defining trait, not an exception.

Source: Kia